Rutherfordton CDBG-DR hearing on resilience project

Hurricane Helene exposed critical gaps in Rutherfordton’s ability to maintain essential services and support the community during a major disaster, including the lack of a permanent emergency shelter with reliable backup power, showers, kitchen facilities, and the infrastructure necessary for extended operations. Building on recovery planning already underway, the town is proposing to transform the former Rutherford Learning Center into a community resilience and municipal infrastructure campus that would bring together town operations, the Police Department, emergency coordination, community space, and a permanent emergency shelter and resilience hub in one hardened and modernized facility.

The project is also an opportunity to leverage disaster-recovery dollars and investments already committed to Rutherfordton rather than addressing these needs separately. The approximately $15 million project is being developed around a combination of existing town investment, anticipated FEMA Public Assistance funding, and Renew NC CDBG-DR Community Infrastructure funding administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce. The Community Infrastructure Program is specifically intended to address Hurricane Helene impacts and unmet recovery needs, restore critical services, and strengthen communities against future natural hazards. The town is holding this public hearing to share the proposed project and hear from residents as it works to turn recovery investments into stronger, more resilient public infrastructure for Rutherfordton’s future.

Notice of public hearing and public review

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of Rutherfordton has prepared an application for the North Carolina Renew CDBG-DR Community Infrastructure (CI) Program for the $15,000,000 Rutherfordton Town Hall, Police Department, and Community Emergency Shelter/Resilience Hub Project and intends to request up to $15,000,000 in CDBG-DR funds. The project will consolidate municipal functions and create climate-controlled multipurpose space for daily community use and temporary public sheltering during disasters. Proposed activities include hazardous-material abatement and demolition; construction or rehabilitation of public facilities; backup power; upgraded HVAC and electrical systems; ADA-accessible facilities, restrooms, showers, and a commissary and catering kitchen; parking; and related site, utility, stormwater, security, and infrastructure improvements. The shelter and resilience hub will support residents and continuity of essential community services. The proposed activities will not displace community residents.

Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Community Infrastructure Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Community Revitalization. The program funds infrastructure projects connected to Hurricane Helene impacts or qualifying mitigation needs that restore critical services, address unmet recovery needs, and strengthen resilience to future natural hazards. Grants generally range from $500,000 up to $15,000,000 per project. Eligible activities include demolition, construction, or rehabilitation of public facilities and community emergency shelters and resilience hubs; restoration of critical infrastructure; flood-control, drainage, site, and utility improvements; acquisition and site preparation; eligible architectural and other soft costs; and improvements required for environmental and accessibility compliance. Projects must meet a CDBG-DR national objective and applicable federal and state requirements. More information is available at: https://www.commercerecovery.nc.gov/renew-nc-programs/community-infrastructure-program.

Public hearing

The Town of Rutherfordton will hold a virtual public hearing on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 2 p.m. Zoom link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85325697896?pwd=7lcB60R3GEWG4mEhqRr7g3uwbI9pBx.1. The hearing will solicit citizen input on the proposed Rutherfordton Town Hall, Police Department, and Community Emergency Shelter/Resilience Hub Project and the town’s application for the CDBG-DR – CI Program. A second public hearing will be held at a future date in accordance with program requirements.

Public review period

The town will accept public comments beginning Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and ending Saturday, August 22, 2026. Comments may address the proposed Town Hall, Police Department, and Community Emergency Shelter/Resilience Hub Project; other eligible infrastructure needs; and the use of funds for critical unmet recovery and resilience needs. Written comments, complaints, or grievances may be submitted to Town of Rutherfordton, Attn: Jordan Jones, Community Services Director, 129 North Main Street, Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139, or jjones@rutherfordton.net. Copies of the proposed application and related information may also be requested from Jordan Jones. Please reference the “Community Infrastructure Program.”

Persons interested in attending the hearings or reviewing documents who require interpretive assistance (i.e., hearing impaired or non-English speaking), or other accommodation, shall notify the Town of Rutherfordton by contacting Jordan Jones, Community Services Director. Requests for accommodations should be submitted by individuals at least 48 hours before the scheduled meeting time.

Esta información está disponible en español o en cualquier otro idioma a pedido. Comuníquese con Jordan Jones, Director de Servicios Comunitarios, para obtener los arreglos necesarios para esta solicitud.